2012-24078. Proposed Information Collection (Pre-Discharge Compensation Claim) Activity: Comment Request

AGENCY:

Veterans Benefits Administration, Department of Veterans Affairs.

ACTION:

Notice.

SUMMARY:

The Veterans Benefits Administration (VBA), Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), is announcing an opportunity for public comment on the proposed collection of certain information by the Agency. Under the Paperwork Reduction Act (PRA) of 1995, Federal agencies are required to publish notice in the Federal Register concerning each proposed collection of information, including each extension of a currently approved collection and allow 60 days for public comment in response to the notice. This notice solicits comments on the information required from service members to participate in the pre-discharge claims program.

DATES:

Written comments and recommendations on the proposed collection of information should be received on or before November 30, 2012.

ADDRESSES:

Submit written comments on the collection of information through www.Regulations.gov;​; or to Nancy J. Kessinger, Veterans Benefits Administration (20M35), Department of Veterans Affairs, 810 Vermont Avenue NW., Washington, DC 20420 or email: [e-mail]. Please refer to “OMB Control No. 2900-0743” in any correspondence. During the comment period, comments may be viewed online through the Federal Docket Management System (FDMS) at www.Regulations.gov.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:

Nancy J. Kessinger at [phone] or FAX [phone].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Under the PRA of 1995 (Pub. L. 104-13; 44 U.S.C. 3501-3521), Federal agencies must obtain approval from the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for each collection of information they conduct or sponsor. This request for comment is being made pursuant to Section 3506(c)(2)(A) of the PRA.

With respect to the following collection of information, VBA invites comments on: (1) Whether the proposed collection of information is necessary for the proper performance of VBA's functions, including whether the information will have practical utility; (2) the accuracy of VBA's estimate of the burden of the proposed collection of information; (3) ways to enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the information to be collected; and (4) ways to minimize the burden of the collection of information on respondents, including through the use of automated collection techniques or the use of other forms of information technology.

Title: Pre-Discharge Compensation Claim.

OMB Control Number: 2900-0743.

Type of Review: Extension of a currently approved collection.

Abstract: The Pre-Discharge Compensation Claim form will be used by service members to file claims under the Benefits Delivery at Discharge or Quick Start programs. VA will use the data collected as the required certification statement needed from claimants to confirm that the information they provided is true and correct.

Affected Public: Individuals or households.

Estimated Annual Burden: 40,250.

Estimated Average Burden per Respondent: 15 minutes.

Frequency of Response: On occasion.

Estimated Number of Respondents: 161,000.

Dated: September 26, 2012.

By direction of the Secretary.

Denise McLamb,

Program Analyst, Enterprise Records Service.